Why I Love What I Do

For about 38 years I was a ‘suit.’ A pure corporate guy whose career started at the bottom and worked its way to COO of a Fortune 100 company. But now having been a small business owner running a full time commercial photography firm I can safely say that even if I had the chance, I’d never go back. I say that I photograph just to meet people and it’s true. My camera is just a convenient excuse to meet and befriend other artists.

One of my clients is a symphony in Dallas, TX. And over the years I have become friends with many of the musicians in the orchestra along with people in Marketing, Development and many other departments. Just recently I was tasked by the VP of Marketing to create an image of 90 of the musicians in the lighting style of the Dutch Masters paintings.

While doing so the two co concertmasters, Alex and Nathan began fooling around during a toast by intertwining their glasses and arms like newlyweds! Of course the whole orchestra HOWLED with laughter and no photographer would pass up that decisive moment to capture it on film. Ah the blackmail leverage I now possess!

Then during the creation of another part of the marketing collateral I was asked to do a portrait of several of the senior members of the orchestra.

But during that time two of the video team from Genius House Media were there filming their version of James Cordin’s “Carpool Karaoke” by having Alex, Nathan, Erin, Lydia and Kara ride through Dallas playing their instruments. So often there’s friction between photographers and videographers, but in the case of Adam and Darren from Genius House, they feel more like just collaborative creatives. I so enjoy working along side them when our work intersects I just had to create a photo of them goofing around.

My whole point to this post is this; what good is life without the camaraderie and companionship of other creatives? Like I said, my camera is simply an excuse.

2 thoughts on “Why I Love What I Do”

What a photographer! Full of IDEAS, tackling complex situations, and producing exquisite results. Not just in photography, but in Life itself. I was drawn to your web site researching Haibike electric bicycle lighting solutions. Thank you for listing products and solutions to my current ebike problem. I hope to duplicate your Haibike lighting solution on my Haibike!. I am turning 70 this year and able to mountain bike again. The Ebike/Haibike Allmtn SL brought new joy to my life. I and my wife take care of a 95 yr old parent full time (not the retirement I dreamed of!). I too am re-exploring neighborhoods and the nearby Verdugo Mountain fire roads on my Haibike electric bicycle when I can escape senior caregiving for a few hours of bliss. Thank you for your insights, thoughts, and articles! I too enjoy photography, but only as a amateur. I wish I had your gift of vision, seeing, and successful capturing of images! Your insight on life and the aging bell curve was enlightening punctuated with your images.

Hi Ron and thanks for such a kind post. It seems we share quite a bit, both our love for photography, riding our ebikes and yes caring for an aging parent. My sister and I did what you and your wife are doing for your parent and it is nothing anyone ever prepared me for or openly discusses. I wrote a post about my experience in hopes that others who may be or will be going through the same thing can start a conversation. Mom ended up passing away last year, April 28 2016 and just this past April we spread her ashes in the desert.

I still get so much joy out of riding as for me it has become a Zen experience where no matter what is on my mind, it clears me to simply enjoy the moments. In December it will be a year since I’ve owned and enjoyed “Sofia” (yes, after Vergara!) and have passed my 1100 mile marker last month. The Supernova M99 Pure I wrote about is a fantastic light and I’m sure you’ll not only enjoy it’s performance, but installing it as well.

If you’re looking for a great rack I installed the Thule Pack and Pedal rack on my full suspension Haibike and I love it. Hell I’ve even done several Costco runs using it! Thanks again for your kind note, it means more than you know, way beyond photography.